Out of the past 7/13/11

25 years ago: July 13, 1986

Plans to add 6,500 square feet to the 32,000-square-foot Universal Physique Fitness and Racquet Center in the Holiday Inn here and to renovate the inn have been announced by Doug and Lisa Friese, owners of the fitness center, and MidAmerica Hotels Corp.

High winds which accompanied thunderstorms that moved through the area three days last week damaged many of the peach trees in Pioneer Orchard, 606 Silver Springs Road.

50 years ago: July 13, 1961

The first tangible result of Cape Girardeau's passage of the sewer disposal system bond issue Tuesday comes in a letter from the Missouri Park Board; it informs Mayor Walter H. Ford that restrictions on extension of the city's construction of new lateral sewers have been removed.

The second annual old-time steam engine threshing will be held all day Sunday at the Ed Foeste farm, seven miles north of Cape Girardeau; last year, the event drew 900 visitors.

75 years ago: July 13, 1936

The Democratic County Committee has endorsed Maj. Welling C. Medley of Jackson for that city's postmaster's job; Medley, who is now serving as deputy recorder of deeds, was a member of the American Expeditionary Force.

Divided shifts on several construction projects in scattered sections of Cape Girardeau become necessary as the season's hottest weather fastens its grip on the community; workers who start early in the morning retire at noon for another crew to come on the job and finish the working day, the heat being unbearable for a full day's work.

100 years ago: July 13, 1911

The Vogelsang Brothers, on a bid of $2,231, have won the contract to build the new amphitheater at the fairgrounds; the old grandstand was destroyed by a wind storm recently; the new grandstand will be 200 feet long, 40 feet longer than the old one; the seats will be more comfortable and the arrangement more convenient for seeing the racetrack and the athletic field.

After letting the contract for a new brick school building, the school board of Edna will have to again advertise for bids; the lowest bidder refused the contract when he discovered he couldn't buy materials for the amount of his bid.

-- Sharon K. Sanders